Robert Bianco is the TV critic for USA TODAY. In his Critic's Corner
column each weekday, he picks the day's best shows on prime-time
TV.

Chat with Robert Bianco about all things TV.

Missed
the chat? Read the transcript below:

San Antonio, Texas: Whatever happened to Showtimes' Resurrection
Blvd? Has it been canceled? Since cables' audiences are much smaller
than the networks', what criteria is used to determine a show's
success or failure? I read your column each week, love it. Thanks.

Robert Bianco: I think "Resurrection Blvd." has come to the end of
its run - but to be honest, I could easily be wrong. I can't say any of
the Showtime series much interest me, so I tend to lose track of them.
Yes, you're right - ratings mean less to premium cable networks (though
not to basic cable networks, which have advertisers to satisfy). In general,
networks like HBO and Showtime try to determine if a show is working artistically
and if it is contributing enough added value to subscribers to make it worth
renewing. Ratings come into that mix, but they're not the only factor -
HBO, for example, keeps some shows around because they bring the network
attention and prestige, and they think that helps bring subscribers to HBO.
Even if people don't watch, say "The Wire," they may feel better about HBO
because it's there.Stanford, CT: Who do you think will be the big breakout stars to
watch this fall? Any Jennifer Garners or Tom Wellings out there?

Robert Bianco: Well, if you buy all the preseason hype, the star
of the season will be Travis Fimmel, the underwear model who is WB's new
"Tarzan." I'm not sure I buy it - Fimmel strikes me, at least in the pilot,
as one of those people who is more interesting in still photographs than
he is in motion. We'll have to see.
So who would I pick? Olivia Wilde and D.J. Corona, the Romeo and Juliet
teens in Fox's "Skin," and Amber Tamblyn, the girl who sees God in "Joan
of Arcadia."Rochester, NY: Robert, any new shows this fall I should stay away
from? I'm not all that excited about anything new coming up from all
the commercials I have been seeing. The only thing that peaked my curiosity
was Carnivale on HBO since it seems to break the mold on what's on television
or HBO. Have you seen it?

Robert Bianco: I've seen parts of "Carnivale" - not enough to form
a judgment yet. It doesn't look like a great season, but there are a few
interesting shows. As for the shows to stay away from - I'd start with "Luis"
and "The Ortegas" on Fox, "Coupling" on NBC, and "Threat Matrix" on ABC.Chicago, IL: I hope you have been watching The Family. It is the
funniest thing ever. Dawn Marie has to go down as a classic reality show
character. Also, please say it isn't so. Is The Amazing Race never coming
back? Maybe ABC can pick it up since its produced by Touchstone and has
done miles better than anything they have on their schedule.

Robert Bianco: No, sorry - I hate "The Family." I think it epitomizes
everything that's wrong with the reality format, and it's offensive to Italian-Americans
to boot. Nothing has made me happier than seeing it fail. Twice.
Ah, the "Race." Now there's a great reality show. Anything is possible in
TV, but my bet is the show either returns to CBS or not at all. ABC has
enough troubles of its own. It doesn't need to borrow any.Little Falls, AL: Has FOX ruined American Idol by airing American
Juniors? I bet they can't be too happy with how that show performed.
And although I did like the first episode of The OC I am worried that the
lead actor is turning his character into a characture with all his "looks"
and "brooding". It reminded me of that old skit SNL did on 90210.

Robert Bianco: I know what you mean about Benjamin McKenzie's "looks"
- it looks like, as a young actor, he may be trying too hard. But I still
find him and his show very appealing. And I think he really does have a
great deal of talent.
No, as you'd guess, Fox was not thrilled with "American Juniors." But I
doubt it will effect "Idol" in any way. I think people see the two shows
as fundamentally different, which is one reason "Juniors" was such a flop.Canaan, CT: I know it's not groundbreaking television, but I
really enjoy The King of Queens. I think moving it to Wednesdays at 9 might
be a risk. If it fails on Wednesday do you think CBS would move it back
to Mondays or would it just get buried? I think teaming it with Becker was
a good move. Thanks!

Robert Bianco: There are a lot of variables in that question. If
"King" fails on Wednesday, there's a good chance CBS would move it back
to Monday - unless "Yes, Dear" and "Still Standing" are both doing better
in their new slots than "King" used to do (which is doubtful). If so, though,
"King" could be the odd royal out.Charlotte, NC: If Fox does indeed go through with its plans to show
KEEN EDDIE the next four weeks on Thursday night, will this be all of the
filmed episodes, or will we still not have seen them all? And what are the
chances of Fox actually showing all four EDDIEs if the ratings are lackluster
(as they almost certainly will be after such a long hiatus)?

Robert Bianco: Fox has done such a terrible job with "Keen Eddie,"
I'm not even sure the network knows how many original episodes it has left.
I certainly don't. For now, the show is on the schedule, mainly because
Fox is preparing for its baseball playoff layoffs and doesn't want to start
a new show in that slot and then have to yank it. Whether it stays on, really,
is anyone's guess.Ann Arbor, MI: Greetings robert, I'm curious to know why Kristin
Davis always gets the shaft when it comes to Emmy noms for her delightful
role as Charlotte in 'Sex'. Is it becasue of the fact that she is
part of an ensamble so I guess someone has to get the shaft (although everyone
in Raymond has been nominated). I hope to see her get nomaited next year
as opposed to K. Catrell. Also, it's nice to see a little diversity
in 'sex' (Blair Underwood!)

Robert Bianco: The other women have showier roles, and, to be honest,
many critics think Davis is the weakest of the four. I don't, but that's
mainly because I'm so tired of Kim Cattrall.Boston, MA: I think if the 'O.C.' tanks in the fall, then
Amy Sherman- Palladino should cast Benjamin McKenize as a potential love
interest for Rory in 'Gilmore.' He would have the bad boy attidue
as Jess but also the Charm that Dean possessed (something Jess lacked severly!)
Can't wait til that show starts airing new episodes!

Robert Bianco: I am looking forward to "Gilmore Girls," particularly
in its new Jess-free form. The show, however, doesn't need a new love interest
for Rory. It needs to return to its old interest in story and plot. Last
season, it was too much talk and too little action.Charlotte, NC: Hi Robert, Do you know of any listings that show the
season premiere dates for all networks? I'm afraid I'm going to
miss something. Thanks.

Robert Bianco: You're not going to miss anything if you read USA
Today. All the dates will be listed in our fall preview issue, coming out
September 12. 50 cents. On sale everywhere.Henrietta NY: Robert, what is the latest from the set of "24?"
How many seasons do you think this concept has in it?

Robert Bianco: Nothing new to report - but then, there wouldn't be.
The show is notoriously close-lipped, which is how we like it. What's the
fun of a show like "24" if you hear all the plot twists in advance?
How many more seasons can it last? I don't know. Let's see, first, if the
concept can support the season coming up.Elmhurst, IL: Robert, Hi. Have you seen "Once and Again"
on DVD anywhere? I would particularly like to find the wedding episode,
in which Evan Rachel Wood sings. I thought it was one of the best hours
of television I've seen in a long time. Thanks

Robert Bianco: I know the first season is now available on DVD, though
that doesn't help you, since the wedding didn't take place until the end
of the second season. What a great show, though. And your right, that wedding
episode, and Wood's performance, were stunners. Just thinking about it makes
me miss the show all over again.New York, NY: Are you in favor of the Joey spinoff [from a creative
standpoint]?

Robert Bianco: Well, gosh, at first blush, probably not. Usually,
these post-show spinoffs don't work creatively - mainly because they're
driven by business reasons rather than creative ones. But it's coming, so
we might as well keep an open mind. No one expected much from "Frasier,"
and it became one of TV's best and longest-running sitcoms.New York, NY: What's your favorite awards show to watch?

Robert Bianco: It always used to be the Tonys, but that show has
been so poorly produced of late, I'd have to say the Oscars. A little long,
but it has glamour.Washington, DC: Have you seen any episodes of Karen Cisco? If so,
how good is it?

Robert Bianco: "Karen Sisco" (the TV sequel to "Out of Sight") could
turn out to be one of the season's most pleasant surprises. I liked the
pilot and star Carla Gugino quite a bit. It might not become a great drama,
but it could become a very solid, entertaining TV show - and a welcome alternative
to a now unwatchable "Law & Order."Richmond, Virginia: Hi Robert. Glad you're back with the weekly
chats! What's happening with the cancellation of the wonderful show,
"Lucky"? Any chance of another network picking it up? Thanks.

Robert Bianco: "Lucky" just didn't pull in enough viewers on FX.
And if you can't make it on basic cable, there really isn't anywhere else
to go.Harrisburg, PA: Hi Robert, I love reading your chats. When can we
expect the new fall season to begin, especially Alias? Any insight on where
the story will pick up, that cliffhanger had me puzzled and left me with
dozens of unanswered questions. Any insight would be much appreciated!

Robert Bianco: I can tell you "Alias" is due back Sept. 28, but I
can't tell you much else. I do know that Vaughn actually is married (they've
cast his wife). Otherwise, I'm as lost as you are, and happy to be there.
Can't wait for the show to come back.Poughkeepsie, NY: Is Bravo's Boy Meets Boy fixed? It's bad
enough that, unbeknownst to the poor schmuck James, several of the men supposedly
vying for his affection were straight, but how convenient that a straight
guy ended up in the final three. It seems obvious that the producers used
the group elimination strategy to guarantee that there was a straight guy
in the final three. At least that's my take. What do you think?

Robert Bianco: I've never been able to figure out conspiracies, so
I'm probably the wrong person to ask. I'm sure Bravo is happy there's a
straight guy in the mix, as that ups the tension for the finale. I still
think, however, it's a particularly ugly trick to play on someone. I actually
like the show; it's a shame the producers felt they needed such a cruel
gimmick to pull in an audience.Dallas, Tx: Question about the Wire. Last nights finale wrapped up
the docks and still left open the story about the towers... do you think
they will have to bring in something like the docks & union to make
a third season? Any ideas what it might be? There doesn't seem to be
much of a story between Joe and Stringer... BTW Omar is one of the best
characters on TV! A thug with a conscience!

Robert Bianco: One of the glories of "The Wire" is I don't think
the show "has" to do anything. They'll bring in a new plot if they feel
they need one for story-telling purposes. Or they won't, if they think they
can spend all 13 hours on the drug/towers story. They haven't made a false
step yet, so I'm willing to just wait and see where they move next.Washington DC: I loved your advice to the Queer Eye folks. Sadly,
however, I don't think they're listening. I'm afraid overexposure
is imminent...

Robert Bianco: Thank you - and yes, the advice has gone unheeded.
Now NBC is sticking the "Fab Five" on "Good Morning, Miami" - a move so
cheesy, you could spread it on a cracker.Orlando: If "The Practice" does not fare well in the ratings
this fall, how long will it take for ABC to pull the plug and blame David
Kelley? As good as "Alias" is, it does not cut it as ABC's
Sunday anchor. Neither show will be able to compete with NBC or CBS on that
night. Would ABC ever consider moving "Alias" to a new day and
time?

Robert Bianco: Sunday may not be ideal for "Alias," but ABC doesn't
have many ideal time slots - which is what happens when you did a deep ratings
hole for yourself. I think you've guessed right, though, on "The Practice":
If it tanks, ABC will pull it fast and blame Kelley, who will in turn blame
ABC. And they'll both be right. East Syracuse, New York: Shouldn't the producers of The O.C.
hired a younger looking actress than Mischka Barton, who plays Marissa Cooper
on The O.C.? From certain angles she looks like she's already in her
late twenties/early thirties? What's she going to look like in a couple
years?

Robert Bianco: Mischa Barton is 17. How much younger looking would
you want her to be?new york, ny: What did you think of the The Wire season finale last
night? It was great tv, as usual, but I was surprised at all the loose ends.
It looked for all the world like a season finale of a show expecting to
be back next season, especially when compared to last year's. Your thoughts?

Robert Bianco: It looked like a show expecting to be back next season,
which it will be. And that may just be because "The Wire" is too life-like
a show to pull all its loose ends together.Baltimore, MD: Hi Robert. I know the future
of the Amazing Race is in doubt, but when can we expect a decision to be
made about its fate? How much time would CBS need to get it on the air for
mid-season? My guess is we won't see it until next summer if at all.
I'd love to see it back.

Robert Bianco: Actual filming of this "Race" began in January, but
there's a lot of preparation to be done in advance. My guess would be, if
CBS wants a "Race" for next summer, they have to let the producers know
by this fall. I'm hoping the answer is "Go."